How To Follow Up After A Job Interview (Scripts Included)

If you’ve been applying strategically and you’re starting to see an influx of interviews land in your inbox 📧 CONGRATULATIONS! You are navigating step one of the job application process very well. 

Once you’ve had an absolutely amazing stellar interview, you still want to uphold a “top of mind” strategy. That means you should absolutely make sure the recruiter and hiring manager keep your skillset in mind as a leading contender for the role. 

How do you do that? Follow up. Following up after a job interview is a crucial part of your job search strategy. Besides remaining top of mind, following up also allows you to demonstrate your continued interest in the position and show professionalism. 

And believe it or not, there is a method to the madness that will also prevent you from seeming too eager or bothersome. This guide is not only meant to teach you how to follow up effectively, I've also provided you with a script to use as a template for your next successful interview.  

We’ve already discussed WHY following up matters ⬇️ ; TLDR

• Reinforces your interest in the position 
• Leaves a lasting positive impression 
• Clarifies any uncertainties while emphasizing your qualifications that may not have been fully conveyed during the interview. 
• Shows that you respect the interviewer’s time and are proactive in your job search

But WHEN is a good time to actually follow up:  

Timing is going to be very important when it comes to following up. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. This email’s main focus is to express appreciation for the opportunity. 

If you do not hear back within the timeline they provided or within a week or two if no timeline was mentioned, it's a good idea to send a second follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.

HOW to follow up politely without being annoying:

The best way to avoid coming off as a bother is to keep your follow up email professional, concise, and courteous. The first follow up will thank the interviewer for their time and reaffirm your interest in the position. If you must send a second follow up, politely request an update on the status of application while also reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.

Best Practices for Following Up: 

• Stay within the 24 hour window: There’s no need to rush and send a follow up email as soon as you get out of the interview, however it is vital that you send that first follow-up message within a 24 hour window after the interview. If you can take some time to decompress after you’ve had your interview, try and do so, so that you can send an email within the first 4- 6 hours. If not, the 24 hour window is still a recommended best practice. This shows you’re organized and professional.

• Do not be verbose: Be as concise as possible. Be sure you get straight to the point while still maintaining a courteous polite tone. Don’t overwhelm the recipient with too much information.

• Personalize It: Your follow up should reference something specific from the interview to remind the interviewer of your conversation and highlight your attention to detail. 🚨Remember - we’re using a “top of mind strategy” to land the next major role. Personalizations help you go the extra mile. 

• Be professional at all times: I always say it’s not what you say but how you say it. Watch that tone, even if you’re feeling anxious about the status of the position.

• Don’t Overdo It: Avoid sending too many follow-up emails or calling too frequently, as this could be seen as pushy. And you also do not want to be annoying. Best practices always are very mindful and demure (I’m sorry I just had to do it) 

Follow-Up Email Template:

If you’ve been going on more interviews as of late, or you simply want to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready, here’s a simple script you can use as a template for your follow-up email after a job interview:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], Interview for [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Interview Date]. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially discussing [mention a specific topic from the interview], and I appreciate the insights you shared about the company and the team.

After our conversation, I am even more excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]. I believe my [specific skill or experience] would make me a valuable asset to the team, and I am confident that I can contribute to [mention a relevant aspect of the role].

Please let me know if you need any further information or materials from me. I look forward to the next steps and appreciate your time and consideration.

Thank you again for the opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[LinkedIn Profile or Other Relevant Link]

Second Follow-Up Email Template (If No Response)

If you haven’t received a response after your first follow-up email, here’s a polite template you can use for a second follow-up:

Subject: Following Up – [Your Name], Interview for [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which we discussed during our interview on [Interview Date].

I remain very interested in this opportunity and would love to know if there are any updates you can share about the hiring process or the next steps. Please let me know if you require any additional information from me.

I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to your response.

Thank you,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[LinkedIn Profile or Other Relevant Link]

Final Tips:

• Be Patient: Most hiring processes in this job market take time, so patience is really vital while waiting for a response. If a timeline was provided, wait until that time has passed before following up again.

• Tailor Your Message: Be sure you customize each follow-up email by referencing the interviewer’s name, the specific role, and details from your interview. They likely are receiving a ton of messages about the role at this time, so you want to make sure you’re specific in your email to remind them of your previous conversation. If they are available, this also will be the time that the recruiter or hiring manager shares any updates about the role if they have been made available. This is the interim before your next step or potential final decision. You’ll want as many updates as possibly available. 

• Express Enthusiasm: Your tone should remain enthusiastic and respectful. Show that you are eager to contribute to the company both in your initial and secondary follow up email while being understanding of any changes to their timeline.

Conclusion

💡Remember:  Following up after an interview is absolutely crucial and can make a major difference in highlighting your desire to land the role. A well-timed and thoughtful follow-up shows your professionalism, reinforces your interest in the position, and keeps the lines of communication open with the employer.

If you found this post and scripted template useful, I have two quick tasks for you:

Join my free remote job board where you’ll not only access newly posted remote opportunities, you’ll also receive my weekly career development newsletter straight to your inbox every week. There I share more tips, tricks and strategies to help you land your next high paying role. 

Secondly… share the wealth! If you know anyone looking to pivot careers, struggling on what to do next in their job search strategy or just needs guidance to help them pivot careers, SHARE this post with them. Doesn’t matter if it’s with your friends, family, colleagues or nosey neighbor! Pass this on to help them strengthen their job search strategy!   

Until next time, 

M.